That day, the sun rose more brilliantly than ever, painting the entire continent in a golden hue. From the valleys of the south to the cities of the north, from the azure eastern shores to the snow-capped mountains of the Western Regions, the ringing of bells and the booming of drums of triumph echoed in unison, reverberating through the earth and soaring into the blue sky.
In a small tavern nestled on Xuan Peng street, the smoke of liquor lingered with every breath, the scent of roasted meat mingling with the faint strains of distant music. Two men sat opposite each other at an old wooden table, their wine cups sparkling under the early morning sun, reflecting a warm, golden color on the wood.
"Well, today is truly a momentous day, isn't it?" the first man began, his voice filled with excitement.
"Indeed, who would have thought the Demon Clan would have a day of annihilation, ha ha ha!" The other man laughed loudly, swinging his hand and causing the wine in his cup to ripple.
"I heard that since early morning, the town square has been decorated with red flags, and they've even set up an altar to offer thanks to the heavens and earth," the first man continued, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.
"That's right, cultivators from all four directions have also flocked here. I hear they've just returned from the northern battlefield, bringing with them news of victory."
"The entire city closed early today; everyone rushed to the square to watch the ceremony," the first man chuckled, "I even saw some of the market vendors clamoring about getting the best spots near the front!"
The second man took a sip of wine and nodded. "It's good that the Demon Clan has been wiped out, but I heard the battle was fierce. I wonder if any of those cultivators came back unscathed."
"It's to be expected. What victory doesn't come with loss? But now I can finally return to my farm work."
The first man smiled heartily, his voice full of joy: "That's right, today is a day for celebration. Delicious food, sweet wine, and the whole city so elated—it's well worth it."
The second man replied: "Yes, it is! Come, let's toast to the grand ceremony! A toast to the great victory!"
The other man echoed: "To the toast!"
At the center of the square of Heaven's Might city—the headquarters of the Five Great Orthodox Sects—a sea of people was alive with the excitement of a festival. The Master of Ceremonies, clad in an embroidered golden robe, stepped onto the highest platform, his voice ringing like a bronze bell:
"Today, from the common folk to the esteemed cultivators, from the nameless soldiers to the great sects… we all shall engrave the merits of our five heroes. They journeyed into the Demonic Domain, struck down the Demon Empress, purged the demonic scourge, and brought light back to all people across the continent."
He paused, his gaze growing solemn: "But this light was also kindled with the blood and lives of countless others. We bow our heads in remembrance of the cultivators and warriors who have fallen—those who shall forever lie in the battlefield. They may not hear today's cheers, but their blood has mingled with our motherland, becoming the foundation for today's peace."
The drums suddenly ceased. The square fell silent; the wind rustled the deep crimson banners as if they were bowing in farewell.
BONG!—A single great drumbeat tore through the stillness. The music erupted, gongs, drums, horns, and flutes blending into a fiery triumphal march. Fireworks bloomed in the sky, their light spilling over rooftops and platforms, spreading like a wave.
The five heroes stepped onto the stage of honor, their figures appearing like living statues amidst the sea of people:
Bai Li Qingfeng—Peerless Sword Shadow, the outstanding successor of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect. His white robe and the hilt of his sword on his back glistened under the sun. He stood upright, his gaze as calm as a green mountain; just a nod was enough to reassure the thousands below.
Lin Yuer—Holy Maiden of Purifying Light, the bright star of the Purifying Light Palace. She held a jade bottle to her chest, the hem of her robe fluttering in the wind; her gentle smile felt like a refreshing stream to the crowd below.
Tu Mo—Talisman Master, the genius of the Talisman Imprint Pavilion. The sleeves of his robe were still stained with ink, and several talismans tied at his waist gently trembled; his sharp eyes smiled back at the cheers from the children in front.
Jin Yu—Thunder Axe of Heaven's Guard, the young general of the Thundersteel Sect. His shoulders were broad and rugged like a city wall, his battle axe rested on his back like a sleeping thunderstorm, with a simple smile on his face.
Bai Zichen—Absolute Slaughter Sword Lord, the young master of the Heavenly Law Sword Palace. His black robe was lined with silver, his stance still and silent; amidst the brilliant sunlight, he maintained an unpredictable composure that commanded respect.
Their names were roared, echoing off the city walls and bouncing back to the sky. Wreaths of flowers were passed from hand to hand, and sweet wine was poured into cups; tens of thousands of red ribbons and wreaths reflected the sunlight, stretching along the main road, looking like a river of light flowing through the city.
After the ceremony, the five were invited to a back hall for a celebratory drink. The wooden table was simple, while outside, the music still boomed.
Jin Yu downed a cup, slammed his hand on the table, and laughed heartily: "Finally, we get to eat and sleep soundly. Next time someone wants to get in front of me… remember to give me a heads-up!"
Tu Mo looked at the inkpot beside him and sighed: "Be careful with your hands, don't break the inkpot. It's expensive. I don't want to see anyone having to sweep the courtyard to pay off a debt."
Lin Yuer chuckled softly: "Now now, Brother Tu Mo, don't be so negative. It's a big celebration, can't you be a little more optimistic?"
Bai Zichen swirled his wine cup, his voice as faint as the wind: "It's too noisy…"
Qingfeng looked at each face, smiled, and said: "From tomorrow, we'll get to return to a normal life, won't we?"
"Normal?" Tu Mo narrowed his eyes. "My normal is sleeping for twelve hours straight. I'm exhausted!"
Jin Yu clapped him on the shoulder: "Haha! You go ahead and sleep all you want. When something happens, I'll just fly over to the Talisman Imprint Pavilion to find you!"
Qingfeng raised his cup, his eyes as calm as a green mountain: "The world of cultivation is as unpredictable as the wind. Only the sword in our hands can keep our hearts steady. Come, let's toast to the battles yet to come!"
All five of them clinked their cups together. Their laughter mingled with the triumphant music from the square outside.
Night fell, fireworks bloomed like giant flowers, their threads of light falling like fine stardust. Across the continent, from cities to villages, people looked up, all believing in one simple yet majestic truth: The Demon Empress was gone, the darkness had vanished—a new era of peace had begun.